News Release Archive

Reclamation Awards Contract for Stony Gorge Dam

Media Contact: Jeffrey S. McCracken, 916.978-5100, 09/22/2006 20:25

For Release: September 22, 2006

Under its Safety of Dams program, the Bureau of Reclamation today awarded a $23,956,700 contract to Shimmick Construction Company, Inc. of Hayward, California, to modify and strengthen Stony Gorge Dam to prevent its potential failure in the event of an earthquake.

Stony Gorge Dam is located approximately 25 miles west of Willows, California. Studies ongoing since 2001 indicated that a large earthquake could cause the vertical concrete buttresses that support the dam to buckle, possibly leading to subsequent dam leakage or collapse.

"The strengthening of Stony Gorge Dam is an important element of Reclamation's Safety of Dams Program," said William E. Rinne, Acting Commissioner of Reclamation.

The dam modifications, expected to begin by late 2006, will consist of building a concrete wall and additional supports between the vertical buttresses to provide increased stability during an earthquake. The work will minimally affect water releases and the operation of the hydroelectric powerplant operated by the City of Santa Claras Silicon Valley Power. Communication with the Orland Unit Water Users' Association and its members will be continuous and ongoing throughout the project, which is expected to take up to 3 years to complete.

Stony Gorge Dam has a structural height of 139 feet and a crest length of 868 feet. The reservoir, which has a storage capacity of about 50,000 acre-feet, regulates flows along the lower reaches of Stony Creek, stores surplus water for irrigation purposes, and provides for hydropower and recreation. Releases from the reservoir travel 22 miles down Stony Creek to Black Butte Dam and Lake. The dam is part of the Orland Project, one of the oldest in Reclamation. Construction of the dam was completed in 1928. Principal crops irrigated by the reservoir are alfalfa, hay, sorghum, olives, almonds, walnuts, and citrus fruit.

For additional information, please contact the Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100. More information is also available on the Mid-Pacific Region website at www.usbr.gov/mp/sod .

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Safety of Dams Program